Captain Tess Bailey and her crew of Robin Hood-like thieves are desperate and on the run. Pursued by a vicious military general who wants them dead or alive, Tess has to decide if she can trust Shade Ganavan, a tall, dark and arrogant stranger with ambiguous motivations.

Shade Ganavan had oodles of arrogance, oodles of charm, and oodles of something that made me want to kick him in the nuts.

What Tess and Shade don’t know about each other might get them killed…unless they can set aside their differences and learn to trust each other—while ignoring their off-the-charts chemistry.

Nightchaser is the first novel in the Endeavor science fiction romance series by Amanda Bouchet. I chose to listen to the audio narrated by Susan Bennett. A slow start gave way to an engaging read.

I am not going to lie, this started really slow for me. In fact at one point I almost DNF’d the audiobook. I think it was a combination of a few things. First, I recently listened to Polaris Rising, which was phenomenal and second the story started out disjointed and I couldn’t get my footing. I will say the second half of the book was stronger and I ended up slipping in.

The world-building is light, with the author sharing throughout the story but we still have a lot more to learn. We know the people are oppressed and that there is a rebellion. Tess is a member of the ruling house but seeks to help those in need. Think of her as a space Robin Hood.

We meet, Captain Tess Bailey and her crew of damaged, misfit thieves as they escape with stolen cargo from a military superpower whose general (apparently Tess’s father) wants the contents returned. There is now a bounty on her head. They escape and end up on a planet in another solar system but their ship is badly damaged.

Tess hires Shade Ganavan to make the repairs and this is where things get complicated. The story that unfolds is heavy on romance with suspenseful threads. Shade and Tess have sizzling chemistry, but both have secrets and don’t act right away. Mixed singles followed by explosive heat and these two need to make decisions.

What Tess doesn’t know is that Shade is a bounty hunter. He is trying to garnish funds to win back his family’s business. Bringing Tess in could restore everything. He struggles with this internally just as Tess struggles to let him into her inner circle of trust. Both threads felt genuine as did their off the chart moments.

I enjoyed all the characters, Shade in particular, but it took me a while to warm up to and understand Tess. Again the struggle was in the first half.

The second half of the book was intense with plenty of action and confrontation with the enemy. We finally get details on this world, Tess’s upbringing and what makes Tess different. It could turn the tides and end her father’s tyranny.

Susan Bennett did a stellar job with the narration and helped me pull through the first half. I felt she captured Tess and Shade from their chemistry to personalities.

While it was rough travels in the beginning, I ended up enjoying Nightchaser and will certainly pick up the next audio. Fans of space soap operas and romance laden fantasy will enjoy the beginnings of the Endeavor series.

A rough start gave way to an engaging, action-packed, romantic space fantasy in Nightchaser by Amanda Bouchet #iloveaudiobooks #fantasy #ScienceFiction #EndeavorClick To Tweet

About Amanda Bouchet

Amanda Bouchet grew up in New England where she spent much of her time tromping around in the woods and making up grand adventures in her head. It was inevitable that one day she would start writing them down. Drawing on her Greek heritage for the setting and on her love of all things daring and romantic for the rest, her debut trilogy, The Kingmaker Chronicles, took form. She writes what she loves to read: epic exploits, steamy romance, and characters that make you laugh and cry. A French master’s graduate and former English teacher, Amanda lives in Paris, France. She met her husband while studying abroad, and the family now includes two bilingual children who will soon be correcting her French.

Mahalia’s Sweet Tea boasts the most flavorful soul food in all of Prince George’s County, Maryland. But as events at the beauty industry’s leading trade show turn ugly, owner Halia Watkins needs to bite into an unsavory new item on the menu—murder!

When the chicest hair convention of the year gets cooking in town, so does business at Mahalia’s Sweet Tea. Halia can barely handle the influx of customers looking to satisfy their appetites after spending the day surrounded by outrageous runway styles. As buzz builds around beauty mogul and pop culture icon Monique Dupree, collard greens start moving out of the kitchen faster than models strutting down the catwalk . . .

But the glitz fades the moment Monique is found shot to death. Turns out, the glamorous entrepreneur’s vanity empire was stained by bitter rivalries, explosive affairs, and backstabbers scheming for fame and fortune. With more suspects than ingredients listed on a bottle of deep conditioner, Halia and her cousin Wavonne rush to discover who pulled the trigger—before the conniving culprit dishes another deadly surprise . . .

Please welcome Sophia Rose to the blog. Today she is sharing the cozy mystery, Murder With Collard Greens and Hot Sauce by A.L. Herbert. Grab a coffee and enjoy! I don’t know about you but I love a foodie book with murder.

Sophia Rose’s Review

In my quest to discover more cozy mystery series to love, the title on this one leaped to the eye and pulled me in for a closer inspection. Soul food and murder? I’ll take a double helping of that, please.

Murder with Collard Greens and Hot Sauce is the third book in the series, but I had no difficulty diving in with this book. I could tell that a handful of characters were recurring, but there didn’t seem to be a connecting series storyline that needed me to start from the beginning.

Mahalia and her lively cousin are getting their hair done at their usual stylist a few doors down from Halia’s restaurant when they learn a local minor celebrity, a hair care gal, will be bringing her entourage to Latasha’s salon because of how much Latasha has been able to sell Monique’s product. Halia and her mother make the refreshments for Monique’s visit and this draws them in to the flashy and fabulous Monique’s celebrity world just in time for a murder.

One of the wonderful things about cozies are how much attention they give to setting and to the average daily life of the characters as opposed to launching straight at the mystery and revving up the suspense. In this case, we have the world of hair care products and styling for black women and Halia’s own mouth-watering kitchen creations in her restaurant and her family life. While, as a white gal, I found the styling side interesting at first, there was a point where I was ready to tap out if there was one more mention of straightener or anti-frizz or conditioner. Like Halia, I like low maintenance dos and I don’t get into creative styling so I lost interest in the world of hair care rather quickly. Thankfully, the foodie angle and the lively cast of characters kept me going. Did I mention they end up at a drag queen event at a gay bar?

The murder takes a while to tease out between the long setup of the story introducing all the players and further revealing a bit about the regulars. I didn’t mind this since this was my first encounter with the series. Plus, the added character development gave me a better idea of the suspects. I wasn’t sure who did it and found the twist at the end to be a great surprise. This ended up being one of those stories that I was less into the book for the mystery as to enjoy the characters and their world. It wasn’t riveting, but I did get ‘cozy’.

Incidentally, the author graciously includes the recipes for all that mouthwatering food and beverages that Halia and her mama serve up.

So, if you are looking for a new cozy mystery series to try with a fun group of characters, some mouthwatering food, and a slow-burn mystery, take a gander at Murder With Collard Greens and Hot Sauce.

Murder With Collard Greens and Hot Sauce by A.L. Herbert. offers a new cozy mystery series to try with a fun group of characters, some mouthwatering food, and a slow-burn mysteryClick To Tweet

About A.L. Herbert

A.L. Herbert grew up in both Prince George’s County and Charles County, Maryland. A.L. is currently working on the next Mahalia Watkins Soul Food Mystery and more delicious comfort food recipes.

About Sophia Rose

Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate. Associate Reviewer for Delighted Reader blog.

Joe never wanted to come back to Arnhill. After the way things ended with his old gang--the betrayal, the suicide, the murder--and after what happened when his sister went missing, the last thing he wanted to do was return to his hometown. But Joe doesn't have a choice. Because judging by what was done to that poor Morton kid, what happened all those years ago to Joe's sister is happening again. And only Joe knows who is really at fault.

Lying his way into a teaching job at his former high school is the easy part. Facing off with former friends who are none too happy to have him back in town--while avoiding the enemies he's made in the years since--is tougher. But the hardest part of all will be returning to that abandoned mine where it all went wrong and his life changed forever, and finally confronting the shocking, horrifying truth about Arnhill, his sister, and himself. Because for Joe, the worst moment of his life wasn't the day his sister went missing. It was the day she came back

I enjoyed Chalk Man and was excited to dive into The Hiding Place by C.J. Tudor. Narrated by Richard Armitage, Tudor’s second novel offered a spin-tingling, creepy suspense with some supernatural elements that reminded me of Pet Sematary by Stephen King.

Reason to grab your earbuds, turn on the lights and listen to The Hiding Place

The story pulled me in almost immediately with details from a dilapidated cottage. Tudor wasted no time setting the atmospheric tone for this tale with his description of death, decay and insects swarming around two dead bodies.

Joe, a gambler and drunk with a teaching degree returns to Arnhill. He lies to obtain a job at the local school and rents out a dilapidated cottage with a sinister history.

Joe had no intentions of ever stepping foot back in Arnhill. It’s a depressed mining town he spent his childhood longing to escape However, he owes money to some dangerous people and his return seems to have a secret agenda.

Old friends, enemies and secrets lie within this sleepy town. When Joe discovers what happened to the Morton kid, he fears history is repeating itself.

The story is told from Joe’s perspective sharing both past and present timelines.

We don’t exactly know what happened to Anne, Joe’s sister, but we know it freaks Joe out. Slowly Tudor reveals things and as he did the sinister atmosphere and dark undertones of the story emerged.

There is a supernatural element, something other, something upside down. It set me on edge making me think there was just something there out of the corner of my eye. Tudor is in his element during these darker passages and brought it all life in freakish detail.

The time in the past increases as we learn more about the dark events of long ago Tudor succeeded in sending shivers down my spine.

The tale reminded me of old Stephen King novels and conjured up images of the pet cemetery.

Characters both past and present were well developed. Joe’s an alcoholic and unsavory, but he has some redeemable characteristic. He looks out for the bullied. When the mood strikes, he can be a darn good teacher. He’s sarcastic, complex and frustrating. It was interesting watching his outlook change as he became aware something wasn’t right with the town.

Richard Armitage narrated and helped to enhance the storyline. I think parts may have read slow or maybe dry is a better word, but the narrator pushed me past those moments setting the tone and delivering unique voices.

For my friends across the sea they released the book in the UK as The Taking of Annie Thorne. The Hiding Place from Annie Doll to the hillside offered a creepy listen and I had fun listening.

The Hiding Place by C.J. Tudor delivered from Annie Doll to the hillside offering a creepy listen that pulled me in. #iloveaudiobooks #horror #mysteryClick To Tweet

About C.J. Tudor

C. J. Tudor was born in Salisbury and grew up in Nottingham, where she still lives with her partner and young daughter. She left school at sixteen and has had a variety of jobs over the years, including trainee reporter, radio scriptwriter, shop assistant, ad agency copywriter and voiceover. In the early nineties, she fell into a job as a television presenter for a show on Channel 4 called Moviewatch. Although a terrible presenter, she got to interview acting legends such as Sigourney Weaver, Michael Douglas, Emma Thompson and Robin Williams. She also annoyed Tim Robbins by asking a question about Susan Sarandon’s breasts and was extremely flattered when Robert Downey Junior showed her his chest.

While writing the Chalk Man she ran a dog-walking business, walking over twenty dogs a week as well as looking after her little girl. She’s been writing since she was a child but only knuckled down to it properly in her thirties. Her English teacher once told her that if she ‘did not become Prime Minister or a best-selling author’ he would be ‘very disappointed.’

Natalie March is a successful surgeon enjoying a busy life in Washington DC. As her demanding career has left little time for friends or romance, her deepest relationship is with her mother, Vera March, a Russian immigrant and MS patient confined to a rehab center. Vera is still haunted by the fact that her Ukrainian parents were sent to the gulag, Stalin's notorious network of labor camps, when she was just a baby. All her life she has presumed that they perished there along with millions of other Russian citizens. Natalie would do anything to heal her mother's psychic pain: it's the one wound that she, a doctor, cannot mend.

When a young Russian dancer comes to Natalie's office claiming to be her cousin, and providing details about her family that no stranger could know, Natalie must face a surprising truth: her grandmother, Katarina Melnikova, is still very much alive. Natalie is thrilled to think that her Russian relatives are reaching out after so many years. In fact, her cousin has a darker motive for making contact. Suggesting that her family is in grave danger from Putin's government, she pleads for Natalie's help to defect, and Natalie soon finds herself caught in a web of shocking family secrets that will pit her against Russian security forces and even elements within her own government.

In Finding Katrina M. by Elisabeth Elo, Natalie March travels to Russia to meet her grandmother and fulfill her mother’s wishes, but soon finds herself caught up in a deadly game.

Natalie is a successful surgeon in Washington D.C. and an only child. When a young Russian woman arrives at her clinic, she soon learns the grandmother she thought had died in a Soviet work camp lived. Saldana Tarasova is a Russian dancer, and she asks Natalie to help her defect but before she can even speak to an immigration lawyer, her cousin is murdered. Natalie believes her death isn’t a burglary gone wrong, but everyone from the police to the CIA argue otherwise. After contacting Saldana’s mother, Natalie’s mother convinces her to travel to Russia and meet her grandmother. But when Natalie arrives in Russia, no one is there to greet her and Natalie soon finds herself caught up in a deadly web as she hunts for her missing cousin.

Reindeer camps, mines, Russian prisons and rural villages await you. I found myself pulled into the story even as Natalie’s actions made me freakout. Me, I am not sure I could have been as brave as Natalie, or maybe it wasn’t that she was brave, but each small step led to a bigger web she needed to escape from. From government cover ups to spy chases this story had it all. We learn about prisoner camps, past and present and travel throughout Russia as Natalie hunts for her cousin, uncovers danger and searches for her family. Will she find them? Will she ever make it home?

There were a few times the story slowed but the overall pacing was well done and engaging. Some aspects of events rang true while others seemed made for the big screen, but Elo pulled it all together and created a tale that kept me engaged. I read the tale in two sittings and closed it satisfied.

Russian prisons, reindeer camps, and danger await you in Finding Katrina M. Perfect for fans of thrillers, international spy chases, and cultural reads.

Finding Katrina M. by Elisabeth Elo is the perfect read for fans of thrillers, international spy chases, and cultural reads.Click To Tweet

About Elisabeth Elo

Elisabeth Elo is the author of NORTH OF BOSTON, chosen by Booklist as a Best Crime Novel Debut of the Year. Published in six countries, it was also an Indie Next selection and a Book of the Month / Literary Guild Selection. Elisabeth’s second suspense novel, FINDING KATARINA M. Elisabeth grew up in Boston, attended Brown University, and earned a PhD in American Literature at Brandeis. She worked as a children’s magazine editor, a high-tech product manager, and a halfway house counselor before starting to write fiction.

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme

Wow, I am finally using Gutenberg. Kill. Me. Now. Short-codes and HTML are your friends people. You can use the classic editor, but that will phase out in 2 years and Gutenberg 2 is well on it’s way. I figured it was better to get ahead of the learning curve.

Our weather was crazy. We warmed up with tons of rain, fog and melt off. By Weds we could see some grass for the first time in months but everywhere was flooded. We hit a high of 60° so naturally people were out in shorts! Since the temps have dipped and the wind has been crazy. Stay Caffeinated!

A special thank you to Tantor Audio, Bette Lee Crosby, Penguin Random House and Avon Books

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Participate in the Magic of Storytelling. First Book and Disney are working together and donating books to educators in need. You can help by buying a book and they will match or through book selfies! Learn more: Magic of Storytelling

Long ago, Susan Rodriguez was Harry Dresden's lover-until she was attacked by his enemies, leaving her torn between her own humanity and the bloodlust of the vampiric Red Court. Susan then disappeared to South America, where she could fight both her savage gift and those who cursed her with it.

Now Arianna Ortega, Duchess of the Red Court, has discovered a secret Susan has long kept, and she plans to use it-against Harry. To prevail this time, he may have no choice but to embrace the raging fury of his own untapped dark power. Because Harry's not fighting to save the world...

He's fighting to save his child.

I took off my headphones and screamed, “Holy Shit!” or a slightly more colored variation, but people, Changes by Jim Butcher, the twelfth novel in the Harry Dresden Files was intense, mind-blowing, hilarious, heartbreaking and full of twisted fuckery. Yeah OK, I liked it.

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes, Turn and face the strange Ch-ch-changes– David Bowie

As is my drug of choice, I listened to the narrations of James Marsters. He has become the voice of these characters and I could not imagine Harry without him.

Oh, where to begin. Let me just get this off my chest before I burst…we hear Mouse speak. It was brilliant! Perfection. I laughed so hard I had tears and we were in the middle of some intense shite when it happened.

You might remember I am not a big Susan fan. Well, in Changes I decided I hate her. Strong words I know, but she reveals a secret to Harry that floored me and might just get Harry killed. Arianna Ortega, Duchess of the Red Court will use that secret against Harry. You’ll need to buckle up and bring supplies before beginning Changes because once you begin you won’t be able to put it down.

I laughed, screamed, got angry, cheered and was left in a fetal position by the time all was said and done. If I haven’t convinced you to pick up this series by now, all hope is lost. Changes is a pivotal novel and I am anxious to see what Side Jobs, (#12.5) brings.

Changes by Jim Butcher, the twelfth novel in the Harry Dresden Files was intense, mind-blowing, hilarious, heartbreaking and full of twisted fu@kery. #iloveaudiobooks Click To Tweet

About Jim Butcher

Jim Butcher is the author of the Dresden Files, the Codex Alera, and a new steampunk series, the Cinder Spires. His resume includes a laundry list of skills which were useful a couple of centuries ago, and he plays guitar quite badly. An avid gamer, he plays tabletop games in varying systems, a variety of video games on PC and console, and LARPs whenever he can make time for it. Jim currently resides mostly inside his own head, but his head can generally be found in his home town of Independence, Missouri. Jim goes by the moniker Longshot in a number of online locales. He came by this name in the early 1990′s when he decided he would become a published author. Usually only 3 in 1000 who make such an attempt actually manage to become published; of those, only 1 in 10 make enough money to call it a living. The sale of a second series was the breakthrough that let him beat the long odds against attaining a career as a novelist.

As I dream of warmer days and long to step out into the sun after a blustery, dark winter I cannot help but think of upcoming releases I am pining for. Below you’ll find just a few of my most anticipated reads and listens…

In this new instalment in the No. 1 New York Times bestselling series, Mercy Thompson must face a deadly enemy to defend all she loves . . .

Mercy, her alpha and their back have given their word to protect..but a face off with the Gray Lords of the fae is eminent. A storm is coming and her name is Death. Squee! I get chills just thinking about and I know Briggs will deliver a nail-biting, heart tugging tale! I read this series, simply because I began before I became an audio addict and once I have created the voices in my head I stick to the same format.

She can’t ignore a cry for help. But in this remote hunting town, it’s open season.

I have loved this series since the beginning and despite getting the first book as a Prime Book, I’ve listened to them. Gwen Proctor and her children are in hiding, thanks to her serial killer husband. In this installment Gwen answers a cry for help. Caine is sure to deliver and I cannot wait!

New York Times bestselling and Alex, Nebula, and Hugo-Award-winning author Seanan McGuire introduces readers to a world of amoral alchemy, shadowy organizations, and impossible cities in the standalone fantasy, Middlegame.

If you follow my blog, you know I love whatever this author writes as herself or her alternate ego Mira Grant. I cannot wait to meet Roger and Dodger!

Sensitive Claire Connolly must journey to another world in the electrifying fourth installment of Chloe Neill’s post-apocalyptic urban fantasy series.

I love the world and characters Neill has created in the Devil Isle’s series. Set in New Orleans I am excited to check in on Claire, Liam and the gang. The veil has been torn open and I am hoping for an intense read.

What books & audios are you waiting on with a Spring release?

Caffeinated shares a few must reads & listens for Spring! #mustread #newrelease #comingsoon! Click To Tweet

Victorian adventuress Veronica Speedwell is whisked off to a remote island off the tip of Cornwall when her natural historian colleague Stoker's brother calls in a favor. On the pretext of wanting a companion to accompany him to Lord Malcolm Romilly's house party, Tiberius persuades Veronica to pose as his fiancée--much to Stoker's chagrin. But upon arriving, it becomes clear that the party is not as innocent as it had seemed. Every invited guest has a connection to Romilly's wife, Rosamund, who disappeared on her wedding day three years ago, and a dramatic dinner proves she is very much on her husband's mind.

As spectral figures, ghostly music, and mysterious threats begin to plague the partygoers, Veronica enlists Stoker's help to discover the host's true motivations. And as they investigate, it becomes clear that there are numerous mysteries surrounding the Romilly estate, and every person present has a motive to kill Rosamund...

A Dangerous Collaboration is the fourth Veronica Speedwell novel by Deanna Raybourn. Once again she treats us to a suspenseful mystery and the interactions between Veronica and Stoker. were both frustrating and exciting!

Tiberius, Stoker’s brother invites Veronica to a house party on a remote island off the tip of Cornwall. He promises her larva from a rare butterfly and the temptation is too great. Well, that and the chance to ruffle Stoker’s feathers. Stoker of course isn’t invited. To keep up appearances, Tiberius introduces Veronica as his fiance’ and I couldn’t help but grin when Stoker appeared!

Lord Malcolm Romilly, has invited everyone who had a connection with Rosamund, his bride. On their wedding day she disappeared from the island and no one has seen her since. I love a good mystery and the island is the perfect place for it. An old castle, superstitious people who believe in merfolk and witches. Aye, good times to be sure.

I loved the twists, the reveals and the manor itself. The gardens, island and its history were completely atmospheric. Raybourn does a splendid job with pacing, red herrings and in allowing the reader to feel as if they are a member of the house party.

The characters added to the tale, including the sister who grows poisons in her garden, the sister-in-law with a spoiled son and then there is Tiberius with his own secrets.

Stoker and Veronica seemed at odds. Their chemistry is off the charts, but instead of just giving in, they both think too much. I want to lock them both in the conservatory until they lose their blood minds! We see movement but not before some climatic moments.

I thought the mystery was clever and in my humble opinion this series just continues to get better. The author developed both threads, allowed for character growth and has set up the mystery for the next book. Honestly, I cannot wait!

If you haven’t yet tried this author or series, I encourage you to do so. The Veronica Speedwell Mysteries are best read in order of release, although I suspect one could easily jump in.

A Dangerous Collaboration is the fourth Veronica Speedwell novel by Deanna Raybourn. This series and mysteries just keep getting better! Raybourn left me eager for the next one. #NewRelease #HistoricalFiction #Mystery #RomanceClick To Tweet

About Deanna Raybourn

A sixth-generation native Texan, New York Times bestselling author Deanna Raybourn graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a double major in English and history and an emphasis on Shakespearean studies. She taught high school English for three years in San Antonio before leaving education to pursue a career as a novelist. Deanna makes her home in Virginia, where she lives with her husband and daughter.

Ronnie Ashford needs a distraction. In the morning, she has to offer arrogant, conventional Jack Crews a job and convince him not to take it. She doesn’t need anyone’s help, thank you very much. But tonight is all about the tall, sexy stranger who just walked in the bar—and all the delicious trouble they could get into together. Too bad just as things are heating up between them, he whispers the three little words that destroy everything: “I’m Jack Crews.”

Jack is determined to connect with fiery Ronnie—in bed and out of it—but her terms are clear. If he takes the job, helping her acquire prized artifacts for her mysterious bosses, anything between them is strictly off-limits. Somehow he has to convince a woman who’s never felt like she belonged that she’s found her place—with him. And with the danger sparking hotter than the fire between them, it’s going to be one unforgettable trip…

Slow Ride by Lori Foster is the second novel in her Road to Love romantic suspense series featuring two brothers and their family and friends. After reading an excerpt in the back of book one, I was excited for Jack Crews and Ronnie Ashford’s romance. Foster did not disappoint.

Coffee Dates with Slow Ride

First Date: Ronnie Ashford hasn’t led a blessed life, but she loves her job working for eccentric twins who collect oddities. After a scare during a purchase the twins want her to hire muscle and tomorrow morning she has an interview with Jack Crews. Tonight she just wants to get lost so she can get a good night’s sleep, free from the nightmares that plague her. Jack and his brother own a transportation company but he has spent the day rehabbing his new homestead and grabs a beer and some food at the town’s only pub. When he walks in Ronnie decides that the rugged hunk is exactly the distraction she needs. No names. just a night of bliss. All hopes of a good night sleep end when Ronnie realizes he is Jack Crews. And just like that I am hooked! The story follows the same formula as Drivin to Distraction, but the ride was a good one!

Second Date: Jack has a meeting with a Ron Ashford this morning but he cannot stop thinking about the feisty blonde who slipped away last night. She isn’t his type but has gotten under his skin. Ronnie steals herself for their encounter and oh man was this second date fun. I loved the banter, the manipulation and the twists. Ronnie doesn’t want or need help, or at least that is her outward persona and I enjoyed watching the walls around her facade crumble. Foster introduces a suspenseful thread and provided one heck of a backstory.

Third Date: Sizzling hot chemistry gave way to more as they work together. When it looks like someone is targeting Ronnie, Jack steps up to protect her. I loved that despite the fast pace; the romance felt like a slow-burn, with character growth, trust building and firsts. The suspense built as Foster threw some twists our way and I devoured the second half of their story in one sitting.

Sexy, suspenseful and heartfelt you’ll want to let Foster take you on a Slow Ride.

Sexy, suspenseful and heartfelt you'll want to let Lori Foster take you on a Slow Ride. #NewRelease #RoadtoLove #mustread #romanticsuspense Click To Tweet

About Lori Foster

Since first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN.

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme

Its Daylight Savings time and while I love that we are moving towards more sunlight and warmer days, I miss that hour! We got hit with storms again this week with 6 inches on Thursday followed by ice, and heavy rain which caused flooding because of snow runoff. Ugh. It was a crazy week; I have been nursing a cold, went to see Adrian Belew perform and got caught up on some reviews. Stay Caffeinated.

When a fledgling vampire arrives at Woolworth House searching for his maker, Grier is forced to relive her time in Atramentous. Most of those years are as dark and empty in her memory as she was in her cell. She can't remember her progeny, or the night she resuscitated him, but she can protect him from the Society. As long as she's willing to barter with her grandfather to do it.

But Lacroix has plans of his own. He envisions the city--her city--under his rule, and Grier under his thumb. Now all he needs is the right leverage to force her cooperation, and he has just the person in mind. Grier is ready to trade her freedom until a grim truth is revealed that splits her heart in two. Yet another person she loves has betrayed her, and Grier is left agonizing over how much of their relationship is real and how much was a lie.

How to Live an Undead Lie is the fifth book in the Beginner’s Guide to Necromancy series by Hailey Edwards. This series delivers addictive tales with its magical house, kickass heroine and alluring romance.

I stumbled on to this series through a Facebook ad that mentioned necromancy and an undead parakeet. From the first book I was hooked. Now the series is also available on audio, my preferred reading experience for this genre, but alas once I have created the voices in my head I stick with the same format. I recommend the series to fans of romantic urban fantasy.

Set outside Charleston you’ll love the characters, supernatural elements and our heroine’s homestead. Don’t take my word for it, check out the ratings and reviews giving this book a 4.87 Star rating.

In this installment things are hopping at the Woolworth House. Grier’s nightmares continue and with each dream she remembers more about the night Maud died. When an unexpected visitor arrives, she will have to make plans to protect him. To do so, she will have to barter with her grandfather. Meanwhile, Odette is missing, a wolf is challenging her friend for dominance and Amelia is in trouble. Did I mention her grandfather is up to now good? What unfolds was a page-turner with plenty of twists and danger.

I love Grier. She is strong, compassionate and level-headed. Sure she will kick your ass to protect those in her circle but she isn’t afraid of sharing her plans and asking for backup. I find it all rather refreshing given the norm for this genre is the complete opposite. Yes, Kate and Mercy I am looking at you! I love the dynamics of Greir’s friendships and the growing relationship with Linus. Before this story ends, she will be betrayed and will need this circle of friends.

Edwards does a wonderful job of building the world and peeling back the layers of her characters. The magical and supernatural world has a familiarity but Edwards brings some refreshing elements. I love books featuring necromancers and Grier has unique abilities we haven’t even scratched the surface of. It is those elements that making her a desirable target.

All the new threads wrapped up nicely and I loved the romantic development. Overall arc threads saw twists leaving us with a cliffhanger. I am eager to see where Edwards takes us next.

Twists lead to a cliffhanger in How to Live an Undead Lie. Another addictive installment of the Beginner's Guide to Necromancy by Hailey Edwards #KU #UrbanFantasy #ebook #mustreadClick To Tweet

About Hailey Edwards

Hailey Edwards writes about questionable applications of otherwise perfectly good magic, the transformative power of love, the family you choose for yourself, and blowing stuff up. Not necessarily all at once. That could get messy. She lives in Alabama with her husband, their daughter, and a herd of dachshunds.

In his first-ever Doctor Who novel, Tom Baker's incredible imagination is given free rein. A story so epic it was originally intended for the big screen, Scratchman is a gripping, white-knuckle thriller almost 40 years in the making.

The Doctor, Harry and Sarah Jane Smith arrive at a remote Scottish island when their holiday is cut short by the appearance of strange creatures - hideous scarecrows who are preying on the local population. The islanders are living in fear, and the Doctor vows to save them all. But it doesn't go to plan - the time travellers have fallen into a trap, and Scratchman is coming for them.

With the fate of the universe hanging in the balance, the Doctor must battle an ancient force from another dimension, one who claims to be the devil. Scratchman wants to know what the Doctor is most afraid of. And the Doctor's worst nightmares are coming out to play....

Tom Baker himself reads this legendary Doctor Who adventure, a spine-chilling thriller 40 years in the making.

Tom Baker was one of my childhood Doctor and the fourth Doctor Who played by Tom Baker. I remember him with Sarah Jane and Harry Sullivan, so naturally when I saw an ad for Scratchman written and read by Tom Baker I had to listen. A trip down memory lane with a twisted new story that has our threesome facing great danger.

The Doctor, Harry Sullivan and Sarah Jane Smith arrive at a remote Scottish island where they intend to enjoy a picnic lunch, a nap and skip stones. All of that changes when they discover hideous scarecrows are taking over the small village. They will soon be in a fight for their lives as a sinister alien force is at work. As the story progresses we learn The Doctor is on trial on Gallifrey. The Time Lords have questions that must be answered. He is retelling the events of the story to the council.

Since Tom Baker narrated this story, allowing me to close my eyes and imagined this trio, the creepy scarecrows, and the Scratchman. I could see the council, the burned out planet, and creepy crawlies we encountered. It was geektastic. The audio has sound effects present at the beginning of chapters. I enjoyed this little added feature, but was also grateful it wasn’t throughout.

While not perfect, it gave me a sense of nostalgia and felt authentic to their time on the show. I’ve since moved on to other Doctors and will confess that nine and ten will forever be my favorite but I enjoyed the new story and trip down memory lane.

The story over forty years in the making has a seventies vibe and was originally slated for film. It is my understanding both Ian Martin (Harry Sullivan), and James Goss were involved in the writing. Elisabeth Sladen (Sarah Jane), penned a message that is shared in the epilogue. Sadly, she and Martin are no longer with us.

Doctor Who: Scratchman was a delightful listen that recaptured my first doctor.

Scratchman written and read by Tom Baker offered a trip down memory lane with a twisted new story that had our threesome facing great danger. #Whovian #iloveaudiobooksClick To Tweet

In this powerful and exciting fantasy set in the world of the New York Times bestselling Others series, humans and the shape-shifting Others will see whether they can live side by side...without destroying one another.

There are ghost towns in the world—places where the humans were annihilated in retaliation for the slaughter of the shape-shifting Others.

One of those places is Bennett, a town at the northern end of the Elder Hills—a town surrounded by the wild country. Now efforts are being made to resettle Bennett as a community where humans and Others live and work together. A young female police officer has been hired as the deputy to a Wolfgard sheriff. A deadly type of Other wants to run a human-style saloon. And a couple with four foster children—one of whom is a blood prophet—hope to find acceptance.

But as they reopen the stores and the professional offices and start to make lives for themselves, the town of Bennett attracts the attention of other humans looking for profit. And the arrival of the Blackstone Clan, outlaws and gamblers all, will uncover secrets…or bury them.

You know a book/series is a winner when you finish an eighteen hour audio and feel depressed because it’s over! Such was the case with Wild Country by Ann Bishop, the second book in the World of Others and seventh in the Others series.

I listen first, but grab the hardcover edition and proudly display my fandom. It is also one of a handful I regularly pick up and read again and again.

Narrated by Alexandra Harris, Bishop takes us to the town of Bennett, set at the base of the Elder Hills. Once a robust human occupied town along the railway, it is now (almost) abandoned after the Teeth and Claw annihilated the humans in retribution for the slaughter of shapeshifters. (mostly the Wolfguard) It is now being resettled as a mixed community for Others and Humans.

Jana Paniccia recently graduated from the police academy and is hoping to secure a job. In the human world acceptance of female officers isn’t welcome, something she can attest to during her training, but Jana is determined and more than qualified. When one of the Intuit, tells Tolya, the Sanguinati leader of Bennett that they need more humans to fill jobs, he puts out a call to the Lakeside community. They send a call out far and wide as they begin pre-screening candidates to send on the train. Jana get’s a mysterious phone call about a job in the Bennet police department. With nothing to lose, she heads to Lakeside. She soon finds herself with papers and headed to Bennett.

I loved the previous book, but this story reminded me of the Lakeside community. The timeline for this tale overlaps with Etched in Bone from the Others series and there will be scenes and moments you recognize.

Virgil Wolfguard is Sheriff of Bennett and will bite anyone who misbehaves. He has a chip on his shoulder and collects orphans. He doesn’t know how to react to Jana and I loved the snarls, barbs, and friendship that developed. We meet different residences of the town, including an LGBT couple, a blood prophet, intuits, elementals and more.

Bishop’s world building is fantastic from settings to characters. Combined with Harris’ narration I could settle into this world for a long spell.

I tried to savior Wild Country, but suspense, lies, darkness and more kept me listening into the wee hours. The sleep deprivation and extra cups of coffee was worth it!

Delivered from multiple POVs we really get a sense of all sides from the terra indigene to the criminal elements that work their way towards the town. The climactic scenes had me holding my breath and feeling a mix of emotions. The climatic scene at the end was hard, and I played the scene, reactions and actions out in my head changing the scenario each time. While, I hated the losses I think Bishop stayed true to the series.

Brilliant, Bishop once again pulled me in. As readers we often ask each other what famous author we’d like to have dinner with. Anne Bishop is definitely someone I’d love to break bread with.

I tried to savior Wild Country by Anne Bishop, but suspense, lies, darkness and more kept me listening into the wee hours. The sleep deprivation and extra cups of coffee was worth it! #iloveaudiobooks #NewReleaseClick To Tweet

About Anne Bishop

Anne Bishop lives in upstate New York where she enjoys gardening, music, and writing dark, romantic stories. She is the author of fourteen novels, including the award-winning Black Jewels Trilogy. Her most recent novel,Twilight’s Dawn, made the New York Times bestsellers list. She is currently working on a new series, which is an urban dark fantasy with a bit of a twist.

From the author of the runaway bestseller The Orphan’s Tale comes a remarkable story of friendship and courage centered around three women and a ring of female spies during World War II.

1946, Manhattan

Grace Healey is rebuilding her life after losing her husband during the war. One morning while passing through Grand Central Terminal on her way to work, she finds an abandoned suitcase tucked beneath a bench. Unable to resist her own curiosity, Grace opens the suitcase, where she discovers a dozen photographs—each of a different woman. In a moment of impulse, Grace takes the photographs and quickly leaves the station.

Grace soon learns that the suitcase belonged to a woman named Eleanor Trigg, leader of a ring of female secret agents who were deployed out of London during the war. Twelve of these women were sent to Occupied Europe as couriers and radio operators to aid the resistance, but they never returned home, their fates a mystery. Setting out to learn the truth behind the women in the photographs, Grace finds herself drawn to a young mother turned agent named Marie, whose daring mission overseas reveals a remarkable story of friendship, valor and betrayal.

Vividly rendered and inspired by true events, New York Times bestselling author Pam Jenoff shines a light on the incredible heroics of the brave women of the war, and weaves a mesmerizing tale of courage, sisterhood and the great strength of women to survive in the hardest of circumstances

Last year I read The Orphan Train by this author and was excited to receive the audiobook for The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff. Narrated by Elizabeth Knowelden, Henrietta Meire, and Candace Thaxton, Jenoff shares a story of passion, courage, betrayal, discovery.

Grab your earbuds, a bottle of wine and travel to 1946, Manhattan where Grace Healey, a young widower finds an abandoned suitcase in Grand Central Terminal. The suitcase belonged to Eleanor Trigg, former leader of a group of female secret agents who were deployed out of London during the war. The tale that unfolds has us crossing into Soviet-controlled France as twelve woman work undercover to undermine Hitler. They placed these brave young women undercover in Occupied Europe and worked as couriers and radio operators to aid the resistance, but they never returned home and their fates were a mystery.

Graces curiosity regarding the photos and Eleanor soon have her investigating with a little help from a friend. The story that unfolds was riveting . Told in from multiple perspectives – before, during and after the war, we get Grace’s story, Elenor’s, and a young, single mother named Marie a young spy posing as a French woman.

Jenoff pulled me in from all angles and the different story lines were equally strong. Marie’s story perhaps touched me the most from her bravery to the climatic events that unfolded around her. I devoured her chapters. Along with Grace I demanded to know her story. I laughed, wept and found myself experiences her emotions.

While rich with period details and historical details the story focus is more character driven. There are two romantic threads, one of growth and one of fate. One will leave you hopeful the other in a puddle. You will come to admire all three women and this group of female spies and their role in WWII.

Elizabeth Knowelden, Henrietta Meire, and Candace Thaxton each did an outstanding job of capturing these characters from Grace’s curiosity to Marie’s strength. The book lends itself perfectly to audio from the pacing to the story lines and there was no confusion as to whom was speaking as we hopped from Paris, London, Germany and New York.

The Lost Girls of Paris is a story whose details and characters will have you searching out similar stories and make you a forever fan of Pam Jenoff.

The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff lent itself perfectly to #audio delivering a story of passion, courage, betrayal and discovery. #iloveaudiobooks Click To Tweet

About Pam Jenoff

Pam Jenoff was born in Maryland and raised outside Philadelphia. She attended George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and Cambridge University in England. Upon receiving her master’s in history from Cambridge, she accepted an appointment as Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. The position provided a unique opportunity to witness and participate in operations at the most senior levels of government, including helping the families of the Pan Am Flight 103 victims secure their memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, observing recovery efforts at the site of the Oklahoma City bombing and attending ceremonies to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of World War II at sites such as Bastogne and Corregidor. Following her work at the Pentagon, Jenoff moved to the State Department. In 1996 she was assigned to the U.S. Consulate in Krakow, Poland. It was during this period that Pam developed her expertise in Polish-Jewish relations and the Holocaust. Working on matters such as preservation of Auschwitz and the restitution of Jewish property in Poland, Jenoff developed close relations with the surviving Jewish community. Having left the Foreign Service in 1998 to attend law school at the University of Pennsylvania, Jenoff is now employed as an attorney in Philadelphia. Pam is the author of The Kommandant’s Girl, which was an international bestseller and nominated for a Quill award, as well as The Diplomat’s Wife and Almost Home.

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme

Cold weather greeted us all week, and we are expecting below normal temperatures for the week ahead. This weekend has been downright frosty with more snow accumulation than forecasted. I am trying to get caught up, but still falling asleep super early. I am often lights out before 9 pm. Sheesh. Still, I managed to listen to an audio and visit everyone. I booked my flight for Book Bonanza and I’m looking forward to the event in August. In February I read/listened to 14 books. I am one book behind on my Goodreads challenge. Just a few weeks until Spring! I can hardly wait. Stay Caffeinated.

The Warden Morgan has been accused of treason against the Wizards of the White Council - and there's only one, final punishment for that crime. He's on the run, wants his name cleared, and needs someone with a knack for backing the underdog. Someone like Harry Dresden....
Now, Harry must uncover a traitor within the Council, keep a less-than-agreeable Morgan under wraps, and avoid coming under scrutiny himself. And a single mistake may cost someone his head - someone like Harry

The minute Morgan showed up on Harry’s doorstep I knew we were in for one heck of a ride. Turn Coat by Jim Butcher is the eleventh novel in the Harry Dresden files. I have been continuing my audio binge with narrator James Marsters. In fact, I am 90% into Changes as this review publishes.

When Warden Morgan is suspected of treason against the Wizards of the White Council, he turns to Harry. If you’ve been reading or listening to the series, you know how hard this must have been for Morgan.

Someone has murdered a member of the White Council and Morgan is on the run suspected of committing the crime. Harry would love to turn him in, but this had to be an inside job and with his luck they’ll accuse him of something next. Spiders in the woods, traitors and a skin-walker soon have Harry and his friends testing their abilities.

I loved the story that unfolded and believe it to be the best of the series to date. I know, I know I say this with each book..but it was. Not only was I emotionally invested but we bear witness to enemies becoming allies and see friendships tested. I’ve never cared for Morgan but by the end I found him to be rather noble.

The White Council is in a pickle and the political climate for paranormals and supernaturals is being tested. The Black Council is gaining more power and they must answer this attack. Senior Council member Listens to Wind impressed me, angered me and told it like it was.

Molly makes a mistake and I seriously worry about her position as a wizard. Murphy was absent, and I missed our brave officer. Thomas plays a key role and Harry’s love for him is evident. I adored Mouse and firmly believe all urban fantasy series need a dog or suitable companion for their hero.

Nail biting moments, battles, betrayals and more kept me listening. If you haven’t yet listened to this series, I cannot recommend it enough. I laugh, pull my hair out and lose sleep. James Marsters is brilliant and once again made listening a pleasure.

Warden Morgan needs help and Harry Dresden may be the only one who can help him. Turn Coats by Jim Butcher. Narrated by James Marsters #urbanfantasy #iloveaudiobooksClick To Tweet

About Jim Butcher

Jim Butcher is the author of the Dresden Files, the Codex Alera, and a new steampunk series, the Cinder Spires. His resume includes a laundry list of skills which were useful a couple of centuries ago, and he plays guitar quite badly. An avid gamer, he plays tabletop games in varying systems, a variety of video games on PC and console, and LARPs whenever he can make time for it. Jim currently resides mostly inside his own head, but his head can generally be found in his home town of Independence, Missouri. Jim goes by the moniker Longshot in a number of online locales. He came by this name in the early 1990′s when he decided he would become a published author. Usually only 3 in 1000 who make such an attempt actually manage to become published; of those, only 1 in 10 make enough money to call it a living. The sale of a second series was the breakthrough that let him beat the long odds against attaining a career as a novelist.

Silverthorne, like any other vampire, loved a good pandemic. And why not? She’d lived through several of them in the past century. But now she’s playing for the good guys as a medical examiner. A paranormal street drug doing terrible things to her kind creates a different kind of challenge—returning to Nowhere, Nevada where the murderer leaves her a trail of grisly shifter corpses in this hick mountain community where she vowed to never return.

Her suspects? A sumo wrestling sibling, the ex wife of the sheriff (and her former lover) plus her estranged and oh so very psycho vampire maker.

Soon Silverthorne is tracking a killer who wants nothing less than everything she holds dear in her undead life. Good thing paranormal murder most foul is Silverthorne’s specialty.

Paranormal meets Cozy Mystery in The Undead Detective Bites by Jennifer Hilt as we head to Nowhere to investigate an unusual street drug and its effects on the paranormal community. Bodies are piling up, people are missing and the sheriff smells divine. I had fun with this tale.

A street drug in LA known as GLYTR is killing humans. Hattie’s maker informs her that paranormals in Nowhere are using. Medical examiner Hattie Silverthorne heads to the paranormal community one she hasn’t stepped foot in, in over ten years and for good reason. The chance of researching an outbreak proves to be a tempting fruit.

Hattie arrives at night with her personal assistant, Ben (human), and Mr. Figgles, their Shih Tzu. Things are about to get crazy when her Maker towing a newly made vampire, and a fellow medical examiner looking to make his mark. Hattie is prepared to deal but can she handle the local sheriff? He is a sexy shifter who also happens to be Hattie’s soul mate? One the vampire council forbid her to see….yep. All in the name of science and research?

I loved the different characters. Hattie is snarky, smart and fearless. Sure Ben feeds her, but you can tell these two form a family with their canine friend. Her maker, townfolk and the sexy sheriff added to the tale. While some felt cliche’ their interactions felt genuine as did their motives.

The Undead Detective Bites is a fast-paced tale offering a simplistic world that delivered a mix of humor, mystery, and a touch of romance. It’s just how you would expect a paranormal cozy to be. Think early Danielle Garrett. The tale ended with a cliffhanger but they solved the actual case. I will pick up the next one when it releases. I am curious to see how the story progresses.

About Jennifer Hilt

A USA Today Bestselling author of the Icy Cap Den paranormal romances. As a master procrastinator you can find her on Facebook posting cute animal pics especially when she is supposed to be writing. She lives in Seattle with my human and canine family.

New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant rounds up the hottest cowboys in Texas in her latest novel of no-holds-barred passion.

Audrey Martinez is a veterinarian who has devoted her whole life to the care and protection of horses—even if doing so leaves her little time for meeting a man. Who would have thought that a strange case of criminal horseplay would lead her to falling deeply, wildly in love? If only the man who makes her heart race faster than a wild mustang would let his guard down, that is. . .

Caleb Harper is no ordinary cowboy. Sure, he wears his hat, boots, and jeans like a second skin, and displays an easygoing charm that comes from years of working on the ranch. But with his military background, and Army buddies at his side, he is tried-and-true Texas tough. Audrey knows she can trust a man like Caleb to help her save horses. But can Caleb trust himself to resist his attraction to Audrey—or will the sparks of their desire end up getting them burned?

My Favorite Cowboy by Donna Grant is the third book in the Heart of Texas. The series features the Harper siblings. Grant combines suspenseful mysteries with swoon-worthy romance.

This story belongs to the youngest Harper, Caleb. Retired from the military he owns a ranch with his brother and is passionate about training horses. Their mother abandoned Caleb and his siblings the year Abby turned eighteen. While each of them carry baggage, Caleb has kept his heart safe and has never been in a serious relationship…that is until he meets Audrey Martinez.

Audrey is a highly desires Equine veterinarian who lives with her sister Maddy. Like Caleb, Audrey protects her heart and never takes chances. The tale that unfolds soon pulled me in when Audrey tries to save horses from a mysterious illness as danger mounts and sparks fly.

I really enjoy the way Grant blends suspense, romance, family and ranch life. I am a sucker for a good cowboy story and Caleb Harper was swoon-worthy, even if I wanted to hit him over the head. Sibling interferences, and a twisted mystery along with an unwelcome visitor had me devouring this in just two sittings.

I enjoyed watching these two deal with feelings and the undeniable chemistry. My Kindle heated when these two finally came together. I love when we see character growth and both characters experienced it. We got updates on Brice and Naomi and some news that has me yearning for a novella about them. Clayton and Abby were present as well and aided in the mystery.

This might be the last book as it wrapped up most loose ends and we’ve received each of the siblings stories. However, I am hoping we get a spin-off or more books with secondary characters like the boys’ friends and Audrey’s sister that includes updates on the Harpers. Grant hinted at things, so I am crossing my fingers.

Fans who enjoy a nice balance of suspense and romance with plenty of heart will enjoy the Heart of Texas series. While My Favorite Cowboy works as a standalone, there is an overall ARC that begs to be read in order of release.

About Donna Grant

Donna is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over forty-five novels. Her most popular series is the breathtaking Dark King (aka Dragon King) series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae. In addition to her novels, Donna has written over forty short stories, novellas, and novelettes for digital-first and print release. She has been dubbed as giving the “paranormal genre a burst of fresh air” by the San Francisco Book Review. Her work has been hailed as having “deft plotting and expert characterization” by Publisher’s Weekly and “sizzling” by RT Book Reviews. She has been recognized with awards from both bookseller and reader contests including the National Reader’s Choice Award, Booksellers Best Award, as well as the coveted K.I.S.S. Award from RT Book Reviews.

As the seventh of nine children, Ada von Hasenberg knows that her only value to House von Hasenberg is as a political pawn in an arranged marriage. But after watching two of her older sisters get auctioned off to horrible men, Ada refuses to play her part. She flees off-planet and disappears for two years.

Ada’s father, fed up with her rebellion, offers a bounty for her safe return. The universe is a big place, but mercs are everywhere, and Ada is caught. With the merc ship full, she’s forced to share a cell with Marcus Loch, the Devil of Fornax Zero. Rumor has it he murdered every commanding officer who issued orders during the Fornax Rebellion. All anyone knows for sure is that the Royal Consortium wants his head.

Ada has no trouble believing the muscled man chained in the back of her cell is a killer. But when their ship is attacked by forces from rival House Rockhurst, Ada must decide whether to trust him—because once you release the devil, you can’t put him back. And when the attack heralds the opening salvo of a much bigger war, Ada must determine where her loyalties truly lie.

Kate and Curran in SPACE! Seriously, fans of Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels series will fall head over heels for Ada and Marcus! Polaris Rising by Jessie Mihalik is the first audiobook in the science fiction fantasy series, Consortium Rebellion narrated by Emily Woo Zeller.

Ada von Hasenberg is the seventh child of the House von Hasenberg. Ada was to be offered into an arranged marriage with House Rockhurst but after witnessing her sister’s horrible marriages, this strong-willed, kickass Hasenberg flees home and now has a bounty on her head. When she is captured on the boarding docks of another planet and taken aboard a merc ship, they place her in a cell with Marcus Loch, the Devil of Fornax Zero. His bounty rivals hers. There are rumors he murdered every commanding officer who issued orders during the Fornax Rebellion. All Ada knows for certain is that the Royal Consortium wants him dead.

From the first chapter, Mihalik held me spellbound. This story is for fans of space operas with strong romantic elements, lots of snark and plenty of chemistry. The world was interesting with twists on familiar themes. It focuses on the Merc Houses living on Earth who run a monopoly on space commerce. There were spaceships, cool gadgets, whole freaking’ planets to explore and a kickass female lead who reminds me of Kate Daniels. Hells yes!

Ada from outward appearances is strong, unyielding and has the qualities one expects from royalty, but on the inside she struggles, misses her siblings and has baggage from her first romance. The girl is smart, knows her weapons and her training as a Hasenberg means she can navigate and repair ships. I loved her sharp mind, quick wit and loyalty.

Marcus Loch is our space Curran. Aside from being a one man killing machine who grunts and protects he is also cunning and noble. The more Mihalik peeled back his layers and shared his story the more I loved him.

When Richard, the man Ada’s father wants her to marry appears on the merc ship, Ada comes up with a plan to escape but she will have to trust Marcus and the tale that unfolds was intense with twists, turns and new friends. While I loved meeting people, learning more about the world, the Consortium and plants, it was Ada and Marcus who stole the show whenever they were on the page together. Snark and sexual chemistry melted my eardrums. It was so genuine it had me squealing with delight.

The story ended in a good place but set us up for the series and I for one cannot wait! If you haven’t already devoured this, I recommend listening. Emily Woo Zeller narrates, and she did such a stellar job. While I wasn’t a fan of some of her male voices, she nailed Ada and Marcus in my humble opinion. I thought she did well enhancing the tone, emotions and action scenes as they unfolded.

Kate and Curran in SPACE! Seriously, fans of Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels series will fall head over heels for Ada and Marcus! Polaris Rising by Jessie Mihalik #iloveaudiobooks #spaceopera Click To Tweet

About Jessie Mihalik

Jessie Mihalik has a degree in Computer Science and a love of all things geeky. A software engineer by trade, Jessie now writes full time from her home in Texas. When she’s not writing, she can be found playing co-op video games with her husband, trying out new board games, or reading books pulled from her overflowing bookshelves.

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme

Snow, Snow and more Snow. That was our week oh and add a little freezing rain and ice for good measure. Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring and I hope that groundhog is in hiding, as many are declaring, “off with his head!” I completely forgot about March Take Control of Your TBR pile thanks to all my health issues. It will be back next year. Stay Caffeinated.